The Effects from the Green Roofs on the Energy Efficiency of Buildings

Abstract

The technology of green roofs is permanently linked for centuries to the concept of energy conservation. Today, greening the roofs of buildings is considered to be a modern and relevant technology, which improves the energy efficiency of buildings, resource conservation, and environmental safety. Measures of ensuring energy efficiency of buildings during the design, repairing, or renovation are necessary procedures to conserve energy resources and maintain the environmental well-being of the urban environment in the long term. The achievement of the required energy efficiency is carried out using a «green» roof. Consideration of some physical parameters such as heat loss, air infiltration through the barrier structure thickness, and absorption of solar radiation by the roof surface, directly affect the energy efficiency of buildings and determine the related «energy-saving class» corresponding to it. The economic benefit of green roofs is substantial and it arises from the simplicity of green roofs in service, as well as the lack of frequent repairs. In addition, green roofs have a beneficial impact on the urban environment, removing harmful substances from the air, reducing dust. It could also contribute to reducing and stabilizing the pressure on the drainage and drainage system, thereby preventing urban flooding. From indisputable advantages, it is possible to distinguish that green roof area increases the recreational area for a rest and leisure time for the residents and visitors of the building, leveling the cut and destroyed floral layer during the construction of the building. Active use of "green" technologies during the construction, and greening the roof surfaces, in particular, contributes to the improvement of the psychosomatic state of the residents.